PLN

PLN- A PLN is your "personal learning network", in education they were originally your neighbors, mentors and teaching friends but with the advent of technology they have expanded to include anyone who is talking about education.

A PLN is an invaluable tool for use as an educator, here are a few ways to use your network:

• To find help with lesson plans.
• Uses for new technology in the classroom.
• To help find educational resources for students.
• To get feedback on things that you might be having trouble with in the classroom.
• As a method of research for varied topics.

For my personal PLN

Blogs:

• Social Studies and History Teachers Blog- Ideas and multimedia links from other social studies teachers across the country.
• US History Teachers Blog-A blog written by high school teachers for high school teachers, with links to websites and other useful resources.
• Social Studies Central- Resources from social studies teachers, handouts, tips and support.

Wiki's:

• 10th Grade World History-An example of a Wiki being used by a 10th grade teacher, teaching World History.
• Red Lion Art History-A local high school teachers Wiki for her honors Art History students.
• CFF Social Studies- A collaboration of Classrooms for the Future social studies teachers, with links to other blogs, wikis and websites.

Websites:

• PBS Teachers Social Studies- A great resource and wealth of information, broken down by grade level, on different historical and governmental topics
• Education World- A hub where other teachers can post lesson plans that they have used, by topic, for any and all educators looking to augment their plans.
• Social Studies for Kids-A place where teachers can get resources for their students; from book recommendations, to maps and documents.

Groups:

• Historical Documents- This website is maintained by the Independence Hall Association, a group that supports learning about the Revolutionary War and Colonial time period.
• Charters of Freedom- Another look at historical documents courtesy of the National Archives.
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum- With many of their exhibitions online, this makes a great place to stop for information regarding much of the information we know about the holocaust.

Individuals:

• Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day- A great teacher, with great advice, tools, and for for thought for the educator that is always learning.
• Free Technology for Teachers- Richard Byrne, a teacher, passes along a host of great websites, tools, and activities for all levels of education.
• What Ed Said- This blog has some fantastic information for educators all about how learning takes place and better ways to reach your students.